Animation World Magazine, Issue 3.1, April 1998

Places

Walt, a 2-D animated character in a multimedia exhibit
at The California Science Center in Los Angeles.
Photo courtesy of Smith Entertainment.
Nicktoons New Studio Opens. Check out our special report on the brand new Nicktoons Animation Studio in Burbank, California.

Cal Science Center Gets Animated. The new California Science Center, which opened in Los Angeles in February, features a multimedia exhibit called Bodyworks which includes animation by independent production company, Smith Entertainment. Inside a 150-seat theater, the exhibit demonstrates how the human body functions during exercise, with a 2-D animated character (Walt) projected on a screen behind a 50-foot animatronic robot (Tess). The 15-minute animated sequence features the voice of Howard Hoffman as Walt.

Marvel Mania Opens. After four years of planning and construction, the comic-themed restaurant Marvel Mania has opened at Universal City in Los Angeles-adjacent Universal City, California. The restaurant is filled with Marvel comics exhibits and interactive displays such as a 20 x 20 foot video screen running Marvel animation, synchronized to dining booths that vibrate with the animated scenes. Even the restrooms have animated characters projected on the mirrors, using a technology called Pepper's Ghost, created by the U.K.-based company of the same name. The restaurant also features a store and a permanent exhibit of Marvel artifacts including original art from Marvel comics dating back to 1939. If all that's not enough to draw a crowd, the menu featuring "Mutant Chicken Wings," the "Iron Man Burger" and "Chocolate Carnage" should do the trick.

Note: Send news worthy items to editor@awn.com.

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